1983 Smith Woodhouse

[jdaw1]

A triple vertical of Gould Campbell, Smith Woodhouse and Quarles Harris, at the RAF Club on Thursday 17th November 2011, in honour of the 30th Birthday of the organiser. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Gould Campbell:
  • 1970,
  • 1977 single,
  • 1977 magnum,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• Smith Woodhouse:
  • 1970,
  • 1977,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• Quarles Harris:
  • 1970,
  • 1977,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• The RAF Club;
• Planning and arrangements;
• Placemats, sort of.

[jdaw1]

SW83. Dark dark red, 90% opaque. Very sweet. heat mid-palate: “the heat is delicious”. I did like the sensation. Again lemon, my noting that “the bright heat is citric”.

[WS1]

very dark red colour, lovely subtly spicy nose; umami taste and finish; a great port with peppery nuances and deep red berry fruit. Full bodied and balanced; drinks already very nicely now but will also for years to come. One of my favourites of the vintage 1983 which sadly is now more expensive than it used to be.

[AHB]

Deep red in colour, very youthful looking, 100% opaque. Aggressive nose, very minty. Hollow entry, with dry tannins that grip immediately and firmly - initially lacking in fruit, but not in tannins! Hard work on the palate eventually brings fruit to the fore, but the palate is surprisingly closed. Dry finish, with the tannins dominating but gradually allow sweet blackcurrants to come through. This is just so young! 90/100.

[DRT]

Spirity nose - ok, but not great flavours and a rather short finish.